Egyptians

It has long been believed that the pyramids in Egypt were the fruit of extensive slave-labour, but recently excavations have shown that the builders were well cared for, living in special villages overseen by the Pharaoh’s advisers. Recent thought is that the pyramids could not have been built if the workers were slaves because there would not have been the required enthusiasm. Graffiti shows that groups of workers had team names and took great pride in their endeavour.

You're probably right that it would catch lots of people, but I think the piecework theory is the one they put in children's books these days, and also in Egyptian travel guides etc. But I dare say adults won't have seen the kids' books unless they have children themselves, and I'm sure many people will not have clocked it.